Houston
Divorce Lawyers
Over 160 Years of Combined Experience
If you are facing a divorce in the Houston area, our dedicated attorneys have a well-earned reputation for protecting your rights and delivering results. We have the exact tools and experience necessary to advocate for your future and hold unjust spouses accountable.
We never back down from a challenge, bringing our tenacity to complex divorce matters, including:
- High-Net-Worth Divorces: Protecting your assets, businesses, and financial future.
- Contested Custody Disputes: Fighting fiercely for your relationship with your children.
- High-Conflict Spouses: Strategic representation when dealing with an abusive or narcissistic partner.
- Simple Divorces: Not every divorce becomes contentious, but that doesn’t mean it’s painless. Our firm can support and guide you through uncontested divorces.
Firmly rooted in Houston and serving diverse families across the greater Houston, Texas area, our unwavering focus remains on one thing: securing and protecting what is rightfully yours.
Connect with a trusted attorney from our team, at (713) 229-8855. We’re here to guide you through the legal intricacies, ensuring your rights are protected and helping you achieve the best possible outcomes for your unique situation. Call us today for experienced assistance and dedicated, personalized support.
Areas We Serve Include:
Cinco Ranch, Fort Bend County, Fulshear, Harris County, Montgomery County, Sugar Land, Katy, Bunker Hill Village, Cypress, Hedwig Village, Hunters Creek Village, Memorial Area, Piney Point Village, Spring Valley
Call (713) 229-8855 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced Houston divorce lawyers.
The Divorce Process in Texas
The Process Of Divorcing a Spouse Need Not Be A Complicated One
“I can’t imagine I would have made it through my divorce, mentally or emotionally, without her. She is insanely intelligent and astute, she is on top of absolutely everything family law related, responsive, reassuring, and gives you confidence in a very unfamiliar world. She’s prompt, factual, strategic, and exactly what you hope for in a lawyer if not more. You can depend on her. Tina is also phenomenal in court. She found so many discrepancies in my ex’s attorney’s work. It was not only impressive, but revealed how detrimental things can be without a truly thorough lawyer like Tina.”
“Not one detail missed and with the situation where my children were at risk, the extra care and attention made all the difference to get full judgement in my favor. I highly recommend Matt and his team!”
“Skillern Firm is the best attorneys in Houston. He genuinely cares about his clients and his firm is diligent, hardworking and very through. I highly recommend him and do not have enough words to thank him for his extraordinary performance in getting justice for my family.”
“I have used several family law attorneys in the 10-17 years and my ex takes me back to court every year. I have worked with Matt Skillern, Caitlyn Thorpe, and Stacy Sawyer. I would never go elsewhere. If you want it done, and done right, do not hesitate to contact them. I have had terrible experiences with all of the family law attorneys I have dealt with outside of them. I only provide positive reviews so my bad experiences are not noted. If you want a positive and good experience, pls go there!”
“The communication is top notch from her to her staff. Her responses were quick at all times, and never left any questions unanswered. I always felt how important my case was to her. Caitlin is an amazing, trustworthy, brilliant, and beautiful human who truly cares about her clients and will fight hard for them. Caitlin isn’t scared to speak out and won’t sugarcoat anything. She knows family law extremely well and during trial always knew the facts of my case very well, was familiar with all details and effectively fought for my kid's rights. I couldn't have been happier with Caitlin and the outcome of my case. I only wish I would’ve hired her sooner, right when the divorce started. Anyone would be so lucky to have her as their attorney.”
Why Choose Skillern Firm?
Going through a divorce is a trying time, and the last thing you need is a mediocre lawyer in your corner. A good Houston divorce attorney protects you from yourself, protects your assets and rights, and ensures you receive fair treatment in court. You need a competent attorney on your side, and it’s best to contact us as soon as you can.
Skillern Firm is deeply-rooted in Houston and has spent years building a reputation as divorce lawyers who won’t back down when our clients’ rights and future are at stake. Just some of the advantages of choosing our firm include:
- Experience: A dedicated team of skilled divorce attorneys who have over 160 years of combined experience.
- Expertise: Three attorneys at Skillern Firm are Board Certified in Family Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, an honor that fewer than 1% of Texas attorneys can claim.
- Recognition: Skillern Firm is one of the most highly decorated family law firms in Houston. Our firm and attorneys have been recognized by Best Lawyers, Avvo, Super Lawyers, Houston’s Top Lawyer, and many more.
Divorce litigation can get exceptionally difficult without representation. Even with representation, both parties want the best for themselves and any children involved, which can lead to negotiations that can be stressful. Mediation and arbitration become extremely important at this point.
Both parties rarely reach an amicable agreement beforehand. Common disagreements, such as how marital property division should be allocated or whether or not one partner owes the other financial support, can quickly break down lines of communication, leading to frustration and an impasse.
Advantages of Working With a Board-Certified Family Lawyer
Navigating a divorce in Houston can be incredibly stressful and deeply personal, so it is perfectly natural that you would want the best possible advocate in your corner. In Texas, the best family law attorneys are Board-Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Attorneys who achieve board certification in family law can boast:
- Specialized Legal Experience: To even apply for certification, an attorney must have practiced law for a minimum of five years, with at least three years of substantial involvement in family law.
- Vetted by Judges and Peers: Board certification candidates are thoroughly evaluated by local judges and fellow attorneys who have seen them in action. These references must vouch for the attorney’s courtroom competence, ethical conduct, and professionalism.
- Mastery of Complex Law: Certified attorneys must pass a rigorous, comprehensive written exam focused entirely on Texas family law.
- Always Up-to-Date: To maintain their certification, a lawyer must complete extensive, ongoing Continuing Legal Education (CLE) specific to family law. This ensures their strategies are based on the absolute latest legal precedents and statutes.
The final, and most important advantage of working with a board-certified family lawyer is peace of mind about your divorce case, because you are partnering with someone whose expertise has been tested, proven, and recognized by the State of Texas.
At the Skillern Firm, not one, but three of our divorce attorneys and one paralegal are Board-Certified in Family Law. Our board certification is just one of the many things that set us apart from other divorce firms in Houston. Meet the board-certified members of our team:
- Matthew Skillern, Owner/Managing Partner
- Caitlin Thorpe, Partner
- Robin Klein, Senior Counsel
- Kimberly McDonald, Paralegal
To partner with a Board-Certified Family Lawyer in Houston, contact the Skillern Firm today by calling (713) 229-8855.
Understanding Your Rights in Houston Divorce Cases
Navigating the complexities of divorce and child custody can be overwhelming, but it’s imperative to understand your rights and options. At Skillern Firm, we empower Houston residents with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions during these challenging times.
Knowing your rights can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Here are some critical areas to consider:
- Property Division: Understand how community property laws in Texas may affect the division of assets and debts during divorce.
- Child Custody Arrangements: Learn about the different types of custody and how they are determined.
- Spousal Support: Get clarity on whether you might be entitled to or required to pay spousal support and under what circumstances.
- Child Support Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with how child support is calculated in Texas to ensure that your children’s needs are prioritized.
- Mediation and Litigation: Explore the pros and cons of mediation versus going to court, and how each approach affects your rights and responsibilities.
At Skillern Firm, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards securing your future.
Practice Areas
Our skilled divorce lawyers in Houston can help you with every aspect of your case. We cover matters such as:
Contested Divorces
After a long period spent together, your lives become extremely commingled, and dividing property, deciding custody, and calculating spousal support can all be topics of contention for most divorcing couples. Contested divorces can get expensive and may take a long time to resolve. A skilled attorney will help you work through these issues and will use their experience to convince the other party that your claims are reasonable and fair and should be agreed upon.
Your attorney may utilize mediation or arbitration when necessary to move your case forward. Sessions involve separate rooms for each party, with the mediator as the primary communicator, fostering focused discussions for a mutually agreeable resolution. Every attorney at our law firm is a skilled negotiator, which can save you in the long run emotionally and financially.
High-Asset Cases
When it comes to higher-asset cases, it can become more complicated to divide property between spouses. All assets will need to be valued and categorized into either community or separate property. Any property obtained during the marriage is presumed to be community property as Texas is a community property state. To prove otherwise, you will need to show evidence. Separate property under Texas law is property obtained by a spouse before marriage or property received from inheritance or as a gift during the marriage. You will need to show evidence of this type of property.
Child Custody
Determining who has primary custody of the children can be a sensitive subject, one where tempers can run high. For divorcing couples, it can be very difficult to reach an amicable child custody agreement. Remember, nothing is more important than your children, and it is essential to put their well-being above the need for anything else.
A way to navigate this sensitive area is to mediate with a skilled attorney Houston families trust. We will prioritize your children from an unbiased standpoint and will ensure they are protected during agreements.
Mothers’ and Fathers’ Rights
As either a mother or a father, both parents have certain rights. In the state of Texas, these rights are equal, and this means neither has the advantage when it comes to seeking custody. This can bring about disagreements when both parents are fighting for custody, and unfortunately, it can be the children who suffer in a prolonged dispute.
To avoid this, seek the help of a skilled Houston divorce attorney, one who has experience in family matters and has a strong attitude toward protecting your father’s rights, your mother’s rights, and your children. Our job as family lawyers is to ensure that your rights are protected.
We will help you protect your custody plan if you have primary custody, and we will fight to ensure you can see your children if you do not. We believe that in situations where both parents want to see their children, both parents deserve that right unless proven otherwise.
Modification of Orders
When it comes to a court order, an order is not set in stone. If your circumstances substantially change, you can ask the court to modify your order. The court may also modify your order if you feel that your children are no longer safe with the other party. If you have grounds for this request for modification, the Judge will listen and may change your custody agreement.
It can be difficult to get a modification of a custody order. You will need a good cause, and for the best possible outcome, you should make sure you hire the representation of a skilled lawyer who has experience dealing with child custody disputes.
Enforcement
When it comes to property division, child custody or spousal support, orders have to be followed and respected by all parties. Instances that violate these orders include withholding the children from the other party or refusing to meet support obligations. When this happens, the law is on your side, and this means you have the right to seek help.
We firmly believe we can help ensure that your rights are protected and your court order is enforced. If the other party is being unreasonable and is violating the order, this can be grounds to seek an enforcement of the order. Your lawyer will be able to show the court that the other party is acting in contempt of court and its orders.
Property Division
It is a common misconception that in Houston and the rest of Texas, the property is divided equally between the two parties, but this is not necessarily the case. Texas is a just and right division state. This means that both parties have the right to their ‘fair’ share of the marital estate. However, ‘fair’ doesn’t mean equal.
There are numerous factors the court can consider in a disproportionate share of the marital estate. The court can consider your ability to earn as well as any debt you have. They can also consider the fault in the break up of the marriage. For example, if one spouse committed adultery during the marriage.
Recovery of Attorney Fees
Sometimes a spouse may have a larger financial pool to use for their attorney fees. When this happens, they may use such to prolong the process. If you think this is the case, your lawyer may be able to request the Judge to order them to pay your attorney fees. This is not guaranteed, and it will be up to the Judge. If divorcing your spouse is becoming a financial burden through your spouse’s misconduct, you should consider asking your lawyer about it.
Domestic Violence
Unfortunately, domestic abuse and violence are on the rise and becoming common occurrences. When you seek the representation of a skilled and reputable lawyer, we are available to help immediately. As soon as you bring the matter to our attention, we can apply for an order from the court for your protection. This can bring peace of mind as you move forward with filing for divorce while you and your family are in a place of safety.
When it comes to domestic abuse, never hesitate; please seek immediate assistance from the authorities for your safety. False domestic violence allegations are also on the rise, and it is not unheard of for spouses to accuse their partners in an attempt to ensure custody.
We have experience in dealing with these types of claims, and each of our experienced lawyers can help you fight these accusations to the fullest extent. With the right attorney, you can overturn these accusations, discrediting your spouse in the process.
Spousal Support
Spousal support is crucial for many people divorcing their spouses. To obtain it, you and your attorney will need to prove to the court that you qualify for such. Your attorney will help you put forward your qualifications and factors to the Judge. If there is a huge disparity in your income, or you sacrificed your career prospects to take care of your children and family, your lawyer can use these reasons in your request to the Court.
Call (713) 229-8855 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our experienced Houston divorce lawyers.
Contact A Divorce
Attorney Houston
Residents Trust
When it comes to family disputes, things can get complicated easily, and it is extremely important to keep a clear head throughout the process. You need to ensure that you know your rights regarding legal issues and the legal services offered to you.
The best way to do this is to seek legal representation from an experienced law firm. With 160 years of combined experience, our attorneys understand how challenging and taxing a dispute can be.
Our lawyers also know what it takes to get the results you want. We will fight on your behalf, and we will guide you through the process.
Preparing For Your First Divorce Consultation
Meeting with a divorce attorney for the first time can feel intimidating, especially when you are already under stress. Taking time to prepare before you come to our office helps you make the most of the meeting and ensures we can give you clear, tailored legal guidance. Thoughtful preparation is particularly useful in Houston cases, where judges in Harris County family courts expect organized information and timely filings.
It is helpful to write down your goals and concerns in advance, including questions about custody, support, and how long the process might take. By sharing these priorities openly with your divorce lawyer, you allow us to focus on what matters most to you and to explain how Texas law may affect possible outcomes so you can leave the meeting with a clearer plan.
Your Peace of Mind During Family Transitions
At Skillern Firm, we understand that navigating through divorce and child custody matters can be one of life’s most challenging experiences. Our devoted team is here to provide not only expert legal support but also compassionate guidance designed to empower you throughout the process. Whether you’re facing a contentious custody battle or negotiating divorce settlements, we prioritize your emotional well-being and aim for the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Here’s how we ensure your peace of mind:
- Personalized Legal Strategies: We recognize that every case is unique. Our attorneys will work closely with you to develop a customized strategy that aligns with your goals and circumstances.
- Clear Communication: We pride ourselves on keeping our clients informed at every step. Our team is available to answer your questions and provide updates on your case.
- Resources for Emotional Support: In addition to legal advocacy, we can connect you with professional resources to help you cope with the emotional aspects of divorce and custody issues.
- Commitment to Your Future: Our focus is not just on resolving your case, but on setting you up for a successful future. We aim to help you navigate the transition smoothly, allowing you to plan for new beginnings.
Let Skillern Firm stand by your side as you embark on this significant life change. Your future deserves a strong legal advocate who understands your needs and fights for your best interests. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.
Call (713) 229-8855 or contact us online to speak to an experienced divorce attorney in Houston, TX whom couples trust. We are ready to help.
of combined experience in Family
Law
